Single chip multimode baseband processing circuitry with a shared radio interface

ABSTRACT

A multimode communication integrated circuit comprising baseband processing circuitry with a shared radio interface. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise a processor module adapted to perform various processing (e.g., baseband processing) in support of multimode communications. A first radio module may be communicatively coupled to the processor module through a common communication interface. A second radio module may also be communicatively coupled to the processor module through the common communication interface. The common communication interface may, for example, be adapted to communicate information over a communication bus that is shared between the processor module and a plurality of radio modules (e.g., the first and second radio modules).

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile communication devices are continually increasing in popularity.Such mobile communication devices include, for example and withoutlimitation, cellular phones, paging devices, portable email devices, andpersonal digital assistants. Mobile communication devices provide theuser with the capability to conduct communications while moving througha variety of environments.

Mobile communication devices may operate in accordance with multiplecommunication modes. For example a mobile communication device may beadapted to operate in a cellular communication mode and a wirelesscomputer network communication mode. Such multimode mobile communicationdevices may have respective communication configurations for eachcommunication mode. For example, various communication modes maycorrespond to different respective radios.

As the number of radios in a multimode communication device increases,communication interface circuitry between processing circuitry (e.g., abaseband processor) and the number of radios may become increasinglycomplex and/or costly. Further limitations and disadvantages ofconventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one ofskill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the presentinvention as set forth in the remainder of the present application withreference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a multimodecommunication integrated circuit comprising baseband processingcircuitry with a shared radio interface, substantially as shown inand/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as setforth more completely in the claims. These and other advantages, aspectsand novel features of the present invention, as well as details ofillustrative aspects thereof, will be more fully understood from thefollowing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multimode communicationintegrated circuit, in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multimode communicationintegrated circuit, in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method, in a multimode communicationintegrated circuit, for communicating between processor circuitry and aplurality of radio modules, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method, in a multimode communicationintegrated circuit, for communicating between processor circuitry and aplurality of radio modules, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multimode communicationintegrated circuit 100, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention. The multimode communication integrated circuit 100may, for example, be implemented in a single chip utilizing CMOStechnology or utilizing other chip fabrication technologies.

The multimode communication integrated circuit 100 may, for example, beutilized in any of a variety of communication devices. For example, theintegrated circuit 100 may be utilized in a mobile or fixedcommunication system or device. Also for example, the integrated circuit100 may be utilized in any of a variety of communication devicescomprising multimode communication capability.

For example and without limitation, the exemplary integrated circuit 100may be utilized in a mobile communication device (e.g., a cellulartelephone, pager, portable email device, portable computer, personaldigital assistant, portable television, portable radio, etc.). Also forexample, the exemplary integrated circuit 100 may be utilized in a fixedcommunication device (e.g., a cellular base station, a satellite, awireless router, a set top box, a portable phone base station, atelevision station, etc.). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of anyparticular type of communication device that may utilize the exemplaryintegrated circuit 100.

The exemplary integrated circuit 100 may comprise a plurality of radiomodules. In the non-limiting exemplary illustration of FIG. 1, theintegrated circuit 100 comprises at least a first radio module 110 and asecond radio module 120. The following discussion will generally referto only two radio modules for illustrative clarity. Note, however, thatthe scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited to any particular number of radio modules.

The first radio module 110 may comprise a communication module 112. Thecommunication module 112 may, for example, be adapted to establish andcommunicate over a first communication link (e.g., an RF communicationlink) associated with a particular first communication mode of amultimode communication device. For example and without limitation, sucha first communication mode may comprise characteristics of any of acellular telephone communication mode (e.g., GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA/WCDMA,TDMA/PDC, etc.), television communication mode (e.g., DVB-H), directpeer-to-peer communication mode, any of a variety of computer (or data)network communication modes, etc. Examples of various computer networkcommunication modes may, for example, comprise any of a variety ofWireless Local Area Network (WLAN) communication modes, WirelessPersonal Area Network (WPAN) communication modes, Wireless MetropolitanArea Network (“WMAN”) communication modes, etc. For example, such acomputer network communication mode may comprise characteristics of anIEEE 802.11 communication mode, a Bluetooth communication mode, any WiFicommunication mode, an IEEE 802.15 communication mode, an UltraWideBand(“UWB”) communication mode, etc.

Similarly, the second radio module 120 may comprise a communicationmodule 122. The communication module 122 may, for example, be adapted toestablish and communication over a second communication link (e.g., anRF communication link) associated with a particular second communicationmode of a multimode communication device. Such a second communicationmode may, for example and without limitation, comprise characteristicsof any of the communication modes discussed previously with regard tothe first radio module 120.

The first radio module 110 may comprise a communication interface module114, which may be adapted to communicate information with other modules(e.g., a baseband processing module). Similarly, the second radio module120 may comprise a communication interface module 124, which may beadapted to communicate information with other modules (e.g., a basebandprocessing module). Various characteristics of the respectivecommunication interface modules 114, 124 of the first and second radiomodules 110, 120 will be discussed in more detail later.

The exemplary integrated circuit 100 may comprise one or more processormodules 150. The processor module 150 may, for example and withoutlimitation, comprise characteristics of a baseband processor adapted tosupport multimode communication utilizing a plurality of radios.

The processor module 150 may, for example, comprise one or morecommunication manager modules 154. The communication manager module 154may, for example, be adapted to manage (e.g., at a relatively highlevel) multimode communications through a plurality of radios (or radiomodules). The communication manager module 154 may, for example,comprise a common communication manager module that manages multimodecommunications through a plurality of radios. Alternatively, forexample, the communication manager module 154 may comprise a pluralityof communication manager submodules that are each dedicated to arespective mode of multimode communication.

The communication manager module 154 may, for example, generally managethe flow of information (e.g., at a relatively high level) to and fromvarious components of the integrated circuit 100. As mentionedpreviously, the exemplary integrated circuit 100 may comprise a firstradio module 110 and a second radio module 120. In such an exemplaryscenario, communication, configuration or operational information mayflow between the processor module 150 and the first and second radiomodules 110, 120. The communication manager module 154 may generallymanage the high level flow of such information.

The communication manager module 154 may, for example, be adapted toperform in any of a variety of communication integrated circuitconfigurations. For example, the communication manager module 154 may beprogrammable. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the communicationmanager module 154 may be utilized in a first communication IC to managecommunication with a first set of radios communicating in a first set ofcommunication modes, and the same communication manager module 154 (orhardware aspects thereof) may be utilized in a second communication ICto manage communication with a second set of radios communicating in asecond set of communication modes. In such an exemplary scenario, theremight, for example, be only a software/firmware difference between therespective communication manager module(s) 154 in the two communicationICs.

Such flexibility may advantageously provide for utilization of theprocessor module 150 (e.g., the communication manager module 154) in anyof a variety of communication IC configurations. As will be discussedbelow, the common communication interface 152 of the processor module(s)150 may also, for example, provide for the utilization of the processormodule 150 in any of a variety of communication IC configurations.

The processor module 150 may also comprise a common communicationinterface module 152 that is adapted to communicate with a plurality ofradios (e.g., the first radio module 110 and the second radio module120) through a common (or shared) interface. The common communicationinterface module 152 may comprise any of a variety of common (or shared)interface characteristics.

For example, the common communication interface module 152 (“comm I/Fmodule 152”) may be adapted to communicate with a plurality of radiomodules (e.g., the first radio module 110 and the second radio module120) over a common communication bus 160. For example, the comm I/Fmodule 152 may be adapted to communicate with the first radio module 110over the communication bus 160 and with the second radio module 120 overthe same communication bus 160 (e.g., serially or concurrently). Inother words, the first radio module 110 and the second radio module 120may be communicatively coupled to the processor module 150 through thecomm I/F module 152 over a single communication bus. Note that the term“communicate” may generally apply to receiving and/or transmittinginformation.

The common communication bus 160 may comprise characteristics of any ofa variety of communication bus types. For example and withoutlimitation, the common communication bus 160 may comprisecharacteristics of a serial or parallel bus. In a non-limiting exemplaryscenario, the common communication bus 160 may correspond to asingle-conductor serial bus. In another non-limiting exemplary scenario,the common communication bus 160 may correspond to a multi-traceparallel bus.

The common communication bus 160 may comprise characteristics of any ofa variety of communication media. For example and without limitation,the common communication bus 160 may comprise characteristics of a wiredbus. Also for example, the common communication bus 160 may comprisecharacteristics of an optical or RF bus.

The common communication bus 160 may comprise characteristics of any ofa variety of communication bus architectures. For example and withoutlimitation, the common communication bus 160 may comprisecharacteristics of a tree bus, star bus or a ring bus. The commoncommunication bus 160 may, for example, be characterized by a relativelycommon architecture or, alternatively, by characteristics customized toa particular type of communication (e.g., communication of informationtypically communicated between a baseband processor and a radio).

As will be discussed below, communication over the common communicationbus 160 may be governed by any of a variety of communication protocols(e.g., standard, common or propriety). Such a communication protocolmay, for example, comprise characteristics of a relatively commonprotocol or, alternatively, of a communication protocol customized to aparticular type of communication (e.g., communication of informationtypically communicated between a baseband processor and a radio).

In general, the communication bus 160 may comprise characteristics ofany of a variety of communication bus types. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular communication bus architecture,protocol or medium.

The comm I/F module 152 may be adapted to communicate any of a varietyof types of information with one or more radio modules. For example andwithout limitation, such information may comprise information to betransmitted by a radio module or information that was received by aradio module. Also for example, such information may comprise radioconfiguration or operational information.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the processor module 150 may beadapted to communicate first communication information through the commI/F module 152 to the first radio module 110 (e.g., for transmissionover a first wireless communication link) and second communicationinformation through the comm I/F module 152 to the second radio module120 (e.g., for transmission over a second wireless communication linksimultaneously with communication of the first communication informationover the first wireless communication link).

In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, the processor module 150 maybe adapted to communicate various Media Access Control (“MAC”) layerinformation through the comm I/F module 152 with the first radio module110 and the second radio module 120. Such MAC layer information may, forexample and without limitation, comprise power level managementinformation, scanning information, authentication information, securecommunication information, sleep mode information, packet fragmentationinformation, etc.

In yet another non-limiting exemplary scenario, the processor module 150may be adapted to communicate various Physical (“PHY”) layer and/or DataLink layer information through the comm I/F module 152 with the firstradio module 110 and the second radio module 120. Such PHY layer or DataLink layer information may, for example and without limitation, comprisecarrier sense information, packet or frame communication information,data unit information, frequency information, modulation/demodulationinformation, encoding/decoding information, etc.

In still another non-limiting exemplary scenario, the processor module150 may be adapted to communicate various radio component settinginformation through the comm module 152 with the first radio module 110and the second radio module 120. Such radio component settinginformation may, for example and without limitation, comprise filtersettings, tuner settings, codec settings, PAL information, etc.

In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, the processor module 150 maybe adapted to communicate various high-level communication layerinformation through the comm I/F module 152 with the first radio module110 and the second radio module 120. For example and without limitation,such information may comprise transport layer information, session layerinformation, application layer information, etc.

In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, the processor module 150 maybe adapted to communicate various executable instruction informationthrough the comm I/F module 152 with the first radio module 110 and thesecond radio module 120. Such executable instruction information may,for example, comprise characteristics of any of a variety of types ofexecutable instructions that might be executed during the communicationof information by a radio.

Further for example, the processor module 150 may be adapted tocommunicate various multimode coordination information through the commI/F module 152 with the first radio module 110 and the second radiomodule 120. Such multimode coordination information may, for example, bedesigned to operate the first radio module 110 in a first communicationmode and the second radio module 120 in a second communication modewithout interfering with each other (or with a minimal amount ofinterference).

In general, the processor module 150 may be adapted to communicate anyof a variety of communication, configuration and/or operationalinformation through the comm I/F module 152 with the first and secondradio modules 110, 120. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of anyparticular type of information that may be communicated through the commI/F module 152.

The comm I/F module 152 may be adapted to communicate informationbetween the processor module 150 and the first and second radio modules110, 120 through a common communication interface (e.g., over a sharedcommunication bus) in any of a variety of manners. Additionally, therespective comm I/F modules 114, 124 of the first and second radiomodules 110, 120 may similarly be adapted to be compatible with the commI/F module 152.

For example and without limitation, the comm I/F module 152 (andsimilarly, the respective comm I/F modules 114, 124 of the first andsecond radio modules 110, 120) may be adapted to conduct synchronouscommunications between the processor module 150 and the first and secondradio modules 110, 120 over the shared communication bus 160. Forexample and without limitation, the comm I/F module 152 may be adaptedto communicate with the first and second radio modules 110, 120utilizing a polling technique. For example, the comm I/F module 152 maybe adapted to initiate communication with the first and second radiomodules 110, 120 by communicating a poll message directed to whicheverof the first and second radio modules 110, 120 (or both) that the commI/F module 152 is to communicate with.

Also for example, the comm I/F module 152 may be adapted to communicatewith the first and second radio modules 110, 120 utilizing allocatedchannel space. Such allocated channel space may, for example, comprise afrequency, timeslot, code, hopping sequence, etc. As will be discussedlater, such allocated channel space may, for example, be allocated at ICdesign or production time or may be allocated in real-time in responseto real-time operating conditions. Further for example, the comm I/Fmodule 152 may be adapted to communicate with the first and second radiomodules utilizing various token-based techniques.

Also for example and without limitation, the comm I/F module 152 (andsimilarly, the respective comm I/F modules 114, 124 of the first andsecond radio modules 110, 120) may be adapted to conduct asynchronouscommunications between the processor module 150 and the first and secondradio modules 110, 120 over the common communication bus 160. Forexample and without limitation, the comm I/F module 152 may be adaptedto communicate over the common communication bus 160 utilizing an ALOHA,CSMA or CSMA/CD medium access protocol. Also for example, the comm I/Fmodule 152 may be adapted to communicate addressable data packets overthe common communication bus 160. For example, the first and secondradio modules 110, 120 and the processor module 150 (or comm I/F module152) may comprise respective addresses to which data packets may besent.

As discussed above, the comm I/F module 152 may be adapted tocommunicate information with the first radio module 110 and the secondradio module 120 through a common communication interface (e.g., over ashared communication bus) in any of a variety of manners. Also asmentioned previously, in various scenarios including the communicationof information between the comm I/F module 152 and the first and secondradio modules 110, 120, the respective comm I/F modules 114, 124 of thefirst and second radio modules 110, 120 may, of course, be adapted to begenerally compatible with the comm I/F module 152. For example, in anexemplary scenario where the comm I/F module 152 is adapted to conductasynchronous packet communication with the first and second radiomodules 110, 120, the respective comm I/F modules 114, 124 of the firstand second radio modules 110, 120 may generally be adapted to becompatible with such communication. Note that such communication may beunidirectional or multidirectional.

Additionally, the respective comm I/F modules 114, 124 of the first andsecond radio modules 110, 120 may be adapted to communicate with eachother (e.g., over the common communication bus 160). In a non-limitingexemplary scenario, the first and second radio modules 110, 120 mayutilize their respective comm I/F modules 114, 124 to share transmissioncoordination information or other information that may enhance thecapabilities of the first and second radio modules 110, 120.

As briefly mentioned previously, when communicating information betweenthe processor module 150 and the first and second radio modules 110, 120through the comm I/F module 152, communication bandwidth may, forexample, be pre-allocated, allocated in real-time or utilized as needed.In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, bandwidth for communicatingthrough the comm I/F module 152 (e.g., over the common communication bus160) may be pre-allocated (e.g., during IC design and/or production).For example and without limitation, the first radio module 110 mayalways be associated with a first channel, and the second radio module120 may always be associated with a second channel.

In a second non-limiting exemplary scenario, the processor module 150and the first and second radio modules 110, 120 may utilizecommunication bandwidth as needed (e.g., whenever a communicationchannel is available). For example, when one of the first radio module110, second radio module 120 and processor module 150 desires tocommunicate, such module may acquire control over at least a portion ofavailable communication bandwidth (e.g., a channel) and utilize suchacquired bandwidth to conduct the desired communication.

In a third non-limiting exemplary scenario, the processor module 150(e.g., the communication manager module 154) may be adapted to allocatecommunication bandwidth for communication with the first and secondradio modules 110, 120. For example, the first radio module 110 may bepresently communicating a cellular telephone call, while the secondradio module 120 may be communicating email information in thebackground. In such an exemplary scenario, the processor module 150 mayallocate a relatively large amount of communication bandwidth throughthe comm I/F module 152 (e.g., over the common communication bus 160) tothe first radio module 110 and a relatively small amount ofcommunication bandwidth to the second radio module 120.

The processor module 150 (e.g., the communication manager module 154)may base such bandwidth allocation on any of a variety of criteria. Forexample and without limitation, the processor module 150 may be adaptedto allocate bandwidth through the comm I/F module 152 (e.g., over thecommon communication bus 160) based, at least in part, on prioritybetween the first and second radio modules 110, 120 (e.g., cellulartelephone operation, when being conducted, might correspond to a higherpriority than email communication or wireless LAN communication).

Also for example, the processor module 150 may be adapted to allocatebandwidth through the comm I/F module 152 (e.g., over the commoncommunication bus 160) based, at least in part, on Quality of Service(“QoS”) goals. For example, the processor module 150 may allocatebandwidth through the comm I/F module 152 based, at least in part, on agoal of meeting minimum QoS goals for communication services beingprovided by the first and/or second radio modules 110, 120.

Further for example, the processor module(s) 150 may be adapted toallocate bandwidth through the comm I/F module 152 (e.g., over thecommon communication bus 160) based, at least in part, on a bandwidthallocation profile. For example, a bandwidth allocation profile maycomprise information indicative of where a user (or other communicationsystem) desires bandwidth to be allocated.

In general, the processor module 150 (e.g., the communication managermodule 154 and/or the comm I/F module 152) may be adapted to allocatebandwidth for communication through the comm I/F module 152 (e.g., overa shared communication bus). Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by any particular mannerof allocating communication bandwidth.

The comm I/F module 152 may, as mentioned previously, comprisecharacteristics associated with generally known or standard bus typesand/or proprietary or customized bus types. For example and withoutlimitation, the comm I/F module 152 (and the respective comm I/F modules114, 124 of the first and second radio modules 110, 120) may comprisecharacteristics of a communication interface specifically adapted tocommunicate information between a processor module (e.g., a basebandprocessor) and a radio module. For example, the comm I/F module 152 mayutilize a communication protocol comprising data definitions,arrangements and values specifically adapted to efficiently communicateradio-related information. Also for example, such an exemplarycommunication protocol may comprise efficient mechanisms forcommunication bus access in the radio communication environment. Forexample and without limitation, such an exemplary communication protocolmay provide for varying packet size, prioritized media access, etc.

The exemplary multimode communication integrated circuit 100 waspresented to provide specific illustrations of various generally broaderaspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of the exemplary IC 100.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multimode communicationintegrated circuit 200, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention. The multimode communication integrated circuit 200may, for example and without limitation, share various characteristicswith the exemplary multimode communication integrated circuit 200illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

The exemplary integrated circuit 200 may comprise a processor module250. The processor module 250 may, for example and without limitation,share various characteristics with the processor module(s) 150 of theexemplary integrated circuit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussedpreviously. For example the processor module 250 may comprise acommunication manager module 254 and a common communication interfacemodule 252.

The communication manager module 254 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with the communication managermodule(s) 154 of the exemplary IC 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously. For example, the communication manager module 254may be adapted to generally manage the flow of communication,configuration and/or operational information to and from various radiomodules.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the communication manager module254 may be adapted to generally manage (e.g., at a relatively highlevel) the communication of information with the first radio module 210,second radio module 220, third radio module 230 and fourth radio module240. In the non-limiting exemplary scenario, the first radio module 210may be associated with a first communication mode (e.g., a cellularcommunication mode), the second radio module 220 may be associated witha second communication mode (e.g., a IEEE 802.11 communication mode),the third radio module 230 may be associated with a third communicationmode (e.g., a IEEE 802.15 communication mode), and the fourth radiomodule 240 may be associated with a fourth communication mode (e.g., aDVB-H communication mode). The communication manager module 254 may beadapted to generally manage the communication of information (e.g., at arelatively high level) with the various radio modules 210, 220, 230 and240 in support of their respective communication modes.

The common communication interface module 252 (“comm I/F module 252”)may, for example and without limitation, share various characteristicswith the comm I/F module 152 of the exemplary system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 and discussed previously. For example, the comm I/F module 252may be adapted to communicate with a plurality of radios (e.g., thefirst radio module 210, the second radio module 220, the third radiomodule 230 and the fourth radio module 240) over a common (or shared)interface.

For example, the comm I/F module 252 may be adapted to communicate withthe radio modules 210, 220, 230 and 240 over a common communication bus260. The common communication bus 260 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with the common communicationbus 160 of the integrated circuit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously. For example and without limitation, the commoncommunication bus 260 may comprise characteristics of any of a varietyof communication bus types, utilize any of a variety of communicationmedia, comprise characteristics of any of a variety of communication busarchitectures, and be associated with any of a variety of communicationprotocols.

Also for example, the comm I/F module 252 may be adapted to communicateany of a variety of types of information with any, any combination of orall of the radio modules 210, 220, 230 and 240. For example, suchinformation may comprise communication information, configurationinformation and/or operational control information.

Further for example, the comm I/F module 252 may be adapted tocommunicate information with the first radio module 210, second radiomodule 220, third radio module 230 and fourth radio module 240 through acommon communication interface (e.g., over a shared communication bus)in any of a variety of manners. For example and without limitation, thecomm I/F module 252 may be adapted to synchronously or asynchronouslycommunicate information with the radio modules 210, 220, 230 and 240.

Note that the respective comm I/F modules 214, 224, 234 and 244 of theradio modules 210, 220, 230 and 240 may be generally adapted to becompatible with the comm I/F module 252. Also for example and withoutlimitation, the respective comm I/F modules 214, 224, 234 and 244 may beadapted to communicate various types of information with each other(e.g., bandwidth allocation information, interoperability information,various transmission coordination information, etc.).

Also for example, as discussed previously with regard to the exemplaryIC 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, communication bandwidth may be allocatedfor communication through the comm I/F module 252 in any of a variety ofmanners. For example, such bandwidth allocation may be predetermined ormay change in response to real-time conditions. Also for example, suchbandwidth allocation may be based on priority, QoS, profile information,etc.

Further for example, the comm I/F module 252 may comprisecharacteristics associated with generally known or standard bus typesand/or proprietary or customized bus types. Such a customized bus typemay, for example, comprise various characteristics adapted tocommunicate information between a processor module (e.g., a basebandprocessor) and a radio module.

The multimode communication integrated circuit 200 is illustratedcomprising a first radio module 210 adapted to communicate in a cellularcommunication mode, a second radio module 220 adapted to communicate inan IEEE 802.11 communication mode, a third radio module 230 adapted tocommunicate in an IEEE 802.15 communication mode and a fourth radiomodule 240 adapted to communicate in a DVB-H communication mode. Notethat such combination of radio modules is merely illustrative andaccordingly should not limit the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention.

The exemplary multimode communication integrated circuit 200 waspresented to provide specific illustrations of various generally broaderaspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of the exemplary IC 200.

The exemplary communication integrated circuits 100, 200 were discussedin terms of various modules. The module boundaries were generally chosenfor illustrative clarity and should by no means be limiting. Forexample, various modules may be implemented in hardware, software or acombination thereof. Additionally, various modules may share varioushardware and/or software submodules. For example, a first module mayshare a hardware component and/or a software routine with anothermodule. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of any particularmodule implementation or by arbitrary boundaries between variousmodules.

For illustrative clarity, the exemplary systems 100, 200 were presentedand/or discussed in terms of various functional modules. Various modulesmay, for example, be implemented in hardware, software or a combinationthereof. Also, various modules may share various sub-modules and/orsubcomponents. For example and without limitation, various hardwaremodules may share various electrical components, and various softwaremodules may share various software subroutines. Accordingly, the scopeof various aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular hardware and/or softwareimplementation or by any arbitrary boundaries between various functionalmodules.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method 300, in a multimodecommunication integrated circuit, for communicating between processorcircuitry and a plurality of radio modules, in accordance with variousaspects of the present invention. The exemplary method 300 may, forexample and without limitation, share various functional characteristicswith the exemplary multimode communication integrated circuits 100, 200illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 300 may be implemented in any of a variety of typesof multimode communication integrated circuits and in any of a varietyof communication devices or systems comprising multimode capability. Forexample and without limitation, the exemplary method 300 may beimplemented in an integrated circuit of a mobile communication device(e.g., a cellular telephone, pager, portable email device, portablecomputer with mobile communication capability, personal digitalassistant, portable television, portable radio, etc.). Also for example,the exemplary method 300 may be implemented in an integrated circuit ofa fixed communication device (e.g., a cellular base station, asatellite, a wireless router, a set top box, a portable phone basestation, a television station, etc.). Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular type of communication device or systemthat may comprise an integrated circuit implementing the exemplarymethod 300.

The exemplary method 300 may, for example, be implemented in a multimodecommunication IC that comprises a plurality of radio modules (orradios). Such radio modules may, for example and without limitation,correspond to respective communication modes. In the non-limitingexemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3, an integrated circuitimplementing the method 300 may comprise at least a first radio moduleand a second radio module. The following discussion will generally referto only two radio modules for illustrative clarity. Note, however, thatthe scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited to any particular number of radio modules.

A multimode communication IC implementing the exemplary method 300 mayalso comprise a processor module (e.g., a baseband processor) that isadapted to support multimode communication utilizing a plurality ofradios. For example, the processor module may communicate various typesof information with at least a first and second radio module. Theexemplary method 300 may generally be discussed below from theperspective of such a processor module. Note however, that the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of such an illustrative perspective. For example,various aspects of the present invention may also be implemented byradio modules, communication interface modules, or other components of acommunication integrated circuit. As a non-limiting example, anexemplary scenario where a processor module communicates information toa radio module over a shared data bus may alternatively be viewed fromthe perspective of the radio module receiving such information.

The exemplary method 300 may begin at step 305. The exemplary method 300(and the other exemplary methods discussed herein) may begin executingfor any of a variety of reasons. For example and without limitation, themethod 300 may begin executing in response to a user command to begin.Also for example, the method 300 may begin executing in response to acommunication system implementing the method 300 resetting or poweringup. Further for example, the method 300 may begin executing in responseto the detection of another system with which a communication link maybe established (e.g., detection of cell phone coverage, an Internet hotspot, a home computing appliance, etc.). Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular initiating cause or condition.

The exemplary method 300 may, at step 310, comprise establishing a firstcommunication link with a first radio module (or radio) of theintegrated circuit through a common communication interface (“commonI/F”). Step 310 may, for example and without limitation, share variousfunctional characteristics with the processor modules 150, 250 of theexemplary integrated circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 anddiscussed previously.

Such a first radio module may, for example, comprise a communicationmodule that is adapted to establish and communicate over a communicationlink (e.g., an RF communication link) associated with a particular firstcommunication mode of a multimode communication device. Variouscharacteristics of exemplary communication modes were presentedpreviously with regard to the first radio module 110 of the exemplary IC100 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example and without limitation, such afirst communication mode may comprise characteristics of any of avariety of communication modes (e.g., a cellular telephone communicationmode, television communication mode, peer-to-peer communication mode,any of a variety of computer (or data) network communication modes, etc.

Such a first radio module may also, for example, comprise acommunication interface module that is adapted to communicateinformation with other modules (e.g., a baseband processing module orother radio modules). For example, in a non-limiting exemplary scenario,step 310 may comprise establishing a first communication link with thefirst radio module (or radio) by interfacing with such a communicationinterface module.

The common I/F may for example, be adapted to communicate with aplurality of radios (e.g., a first radio module and a second radiomodule) through a common (or shared) interface. The common I/F maycomprise any of a variety of common (or shared) interfacecharacteristics. For example, the common I/F may be adapted tocommunicate with a plurality of radio modules (e.g., a first radiomodule and a second radio module) over a common (or shared)communication bus. For example, the common I/F may be adapted tocommunicate with a first radio module over a shared communication busand with a second radio module over the same shared communication bus(e.g., serially or concurrently).

The common (or shared) communication bus may comprise characteristics ofany of a variety of communication bus types, non-limiting examples ofwhich were discussed previously with regard to the exemplary commoncommunication bus 160 of the integrated circuit 100 illustrated inFIG. 1. For example and without limitation, the common communication busmay comprise characteristics of a serial or parallel bus. Also forexample, the common communication bus may comprise a single or multiplesignal paths (e.g., a single conductor or multiple conductors). Also forexample, the common communication bus may comprise characteristics of agenerally known bus type, standard bus type or customized bus type(e.g., customized for communication of radio information). Additionallyfor example, the common communication bus may comprise characteristicsof any of a variety of communication media or communication busarchitectures. Further for example, communication over the commoncommunication bus may comprise characteristics of any of a variety ofcommunication protocols.

Step 310 may comprise establishing the first communication link with thefirst radio module through the common I/F in any of variety of manners.The manner in which step 310 establishes a communication link may, forexample, depend on characteristics of the common I/F. For example, in anon-limiting exemplary scenario where the common I/F communicatesasynchronously, establishing such a communication link may (but notnecessarily) comprise handshaking with the first radio module (e.g., toestablish addressing, communication rules, communication channels,etc.). Alternatively, for example, depending on integrated circuitarchitecture, such a communication link might exist whenever theintegrated circuit is powered up.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario where communication channelsutilized by the common I/F are predetermined, step 310 may comprisedoing nothing or, for example, pinging the first radio module to verifythe communication link. In yet another non-limiting exemplary scenario,step 310 may comprise communicating information of allocatedcommunication bandwidth. As discussed previously, and as will bediscussed again later, various aspects of the present invention maycomprise allocating and/or re-allocating communication bandwidth throughthe common I/F. In such an exemplary scenario, step 310 may comprisecommunicating information related to allocated bandwidth with the firstradio module.

In general, step 310 may comprise establishing a first communicationlink with a first radio module (or radio) of the integrated circuitthrough a common communication interface (“common I/F”). Accordingly,the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of a particular communication interface,communication bus or manner of establishing a communication link.

The exemplary method 300 may, at step 320, comprise communicatinginformation with the first radio module over the first communicationlink established at step 310 (i.e., through the common I/F). Step 320may, for example and without limitation, share various functionalcharacteristics with the processor modules 150, 250 of the exemplaryintegrated circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussedpreviously. Also for example, step 320 may share various functionalcharacteristics with the first radio module 110, 210 (and/or other radiomodules) of the integrated circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2and discussed previously.

For example and without limitation, such information may comprisecharacteristics of any of a variety of types of information. Variousnon-limiting examples of such information were presented previously inthe discussion of the integrated circuit 100 of FIG. 1. For example,such information may comprise communication information, radioconfiguration data, radio operational data, etc. Such information maycomprise communication information to be transmitted by, or which wasreceived from, the first radio module. Also for example, suchinformation may comprise radio configuration or operational information,MAC layer information, PHY layer information, Data Link layerinformation, session layer information, application layer information,radio component setting information, executable instruction information,state machine information, PAL information, multimode interoperabilityinformation, etc. The scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of particular types ofinformation.

Step 320 may comprise communicating information with the first radiomodule over the first communication link in any of a variety of manners.As mentioned previously, the first communication link (or, e.g., ashared communication bus) may be based on synchronous or asynchronouscommunication.

In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, the common I/F may becharacterized by synchronous communication. For example and withoutlimitation, step 320 may comprise communicating the information with thefirst radio module utilizing synchronous communication (e.g., over ashared communication bus). For example and without limitation, step 320may comprise communicating with the first radio module utilizing apolling technique. For example, step 320 may comprise initiatingcommunication with the first radio module by communicating a pollmessage directed to the first radio module.

Also for example, step 320 may comprise communicating with the firstradio module utilizing allocated channel space. Such allocated channelspace may, for example, comprise a frequency, timeslot, code, hoppingsequence, etc. As discussed elsewhere, such allocated channel space may,for example, be allocated at IC design or production time or may beallocated in real-time in response to real-time operating conditions.Further for example, step 320 may comprise communicating with the firstradio module utilizing various token-based techniques.

In a second non-limiting exemplary scenario, the common I/F may becharacterized by asynchronous communication. For example and withoutlimitation, step 320 may comprise communicating the information with thefirst radio module utilizing asynchronous communication (e.g., over ashared communication bus). For example, step 320 may comprisecommunicating the information with the first radio module utilizing anALOHA, CSMA or CSMA/CD medium access protocol to access a sharedcommunication bus. Also for example, step 320 may comprise communicatingaddressable data packets over a shared communication bus. For example,the first module and other modules (e.g., a module of the common I/F)may comprise respective addresses to which data packets may be sent.

In general, step 320 may comprise communicating information with thefirst radio module over the first communication link (i.e., through thecommon I/F). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of any particularmanner of communicating information over a communication link (e.g.,over a shared communication bus).

The exemplary method 300 may, at step 330, comprise establishing asecond communication link with a second radio module (or radio) of theintegrated circuit through the common communication interface (i.e., thesame common I/F through which the first communication link wasestablished at step 310). Step 330 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with step 310 (albeit withrespect to a second communication link and a second radio module).

Step 330 may also, for example and without limitation, share variousfunctional characteristics with the processor modules 150, 250 of theexemplary integrated circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 anddiscussed previously. Also for example, step 330 may share variousfunctional characteristics with the second radio module 120, 220 (and/orother radio modules) of the integrated circuits 100, 200 illustrated inFIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously.

For example, step 330 may comprise establishing the second communicationlink with the second radio module over the same communication bus (e.g.,a shared communication bus) over which the first communication link wasestablished with the first radio module at step 310. As discussedpreviously with regard to step 310, step 330 may, in various exemplaryscenarios, comprise allocating bandwidth for communication with thesecond radio module.

The exemplary method 300 may, at step 340, comprise communicatinginformation with the second radio module over the second communicationlink established at step 330 (i.e., through the common I/F). Step 340may, for example and without limitation, share various characteristicswith step 320 (albeit with respect to communicating with a second radiomodule).

Step 340 may also, for example and without limitation, share variousfunctional characteristics with the processor modules 150, 250 of theexemplary integrated circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 anddiscussed previously. Also for example, step 340 may share variousfunctional characteristics with the second radio module 120, 220 (and/orother radio modules) of the integrated circuits 100, 200 illustrated inFIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously.

For example, as mentioned previously with regard to step 320, step 340may comprise communicating any of a variety of information with thesecond radio module. Also, step 340 may comprise communicating suchinformation with the second radio module (e.g., over a communication busshared with the first radio module) in any of a variety of manners(e.g., including synchronous and/or asynchronous communications.Additionally, as mentioned elsewhere, step 340 may, in various exemplaryscenarios, allocating bandwidth for such communication.

The exemplary method 300 may, at step 395, comprise performing continuedprocessing. Such continued processing may comprise characteristics ofany of a variety of types of continued processing. For example andwithout limitation, such continued processing may comprise establishingand utilizing communication links between radio modules. Suchcommunication may, for example, comprise utilizing the common I/F orbypassing the common I/F.

Also for example, such continued processing may comprise re-allocatingbandwidth in response to real-time operating conditions. For example,step 395 may comprise re-allocating communication bandwidth based, atleast in part, on communications ending and/or new communicationsbeginning. Also for example, step 395 may comprise re-allocatingcommunication bandwidth based, at least in part, on changing noiseconditions, power conditions, quality-of-service goals, etc.

Additionally, for example, such continued processing may compriseestablishing communication links and communicating information with anynumber of additional radio modules. Such communication may, for example,comprise communicating with a third or higher-number radio modulethrough the common I/F over the shared communication bus.

In general, step 395 may comprise performing any of a large variety ofcontinued processing activities. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular type of continued processing.

The exemplary method 300 was presented to provide specific illustrationsof various generally broader aspects of the present invention.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of the exemplary method 300.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method 400, in a multimodecommunication integrated circuit, for communicating between processorcircuitry and a plurality of radio modules, in accordance with variousaspects of the present invention. The exemplary method 400 may, forexample and without limitation, share various characteristics with theexemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed previously.Also for example, the exemplary method 400 may share various functionalcharacteristics with the exemplary multimode integrated circuits 100,200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously.

As mentioned previously, various aspects of the present invention maycomprise allocating bandwidth for communication with a plurality ofradio modules (or radios) through a common communication interface(e.g., over a shared communication bus). Steps 406 and 408 discussedbelow provide a non-limiting example of such allocation. Such bandwidthallocation is, of course, by no means to be limited by the exemplaryillustration.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 406, comprise determiningcommunication needs of the first and second radios (or radio modules).For example and without limitation, step 406 may comprise determiningQuality of Service (“QoS”) associated with various radios. Also forexample, step 406 may comprise determining a required and/or desireddata rate associated with various radios. Further for example, step 406may comprise determining whether various radios (e.g., associated withrespective communication modes) are associated with connectionless orconnection-oriented communication. Still further for example, step 406may comprise ascertaining communication need information stored in acommunication profile.

In general, step 406 may comprise determining communication needsassociated with various radios. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular manner of determining variouscommunication needs.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 408, comprise allocatingcommunication bandwidth through a common communication interface(“common I/F”) (e.g., based, at least in part, on the communicationneeds determined at step 406). For example and without limitation, step408 may comprise allocating a minimum amount of common I/F bandwidthnecessary to achieve respective QoS goals associated with the first andsecond radio modules. Such a determination may also, for example, bebased on respective priority for communications utilizing the first andsecond radio modules.

Step 408 may also, for example, comprise allocating common I/F bandwidthbased on any of a number of criteria, non-limiting examples of whichwere discussed previously with regard to the integrated circuit 100illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, step 408 may comprise allocatingcommon I/F bandwidth based, at least in part, on real-time communicationconditions. Also for example, step 408 may comprise allocating commonI/F bandwidth based, at least in part, on a bandwidth allocation profile(e.g., factory or user specified).

In general, step 408 may comprise allocating communication bandwidththrough the common I/F. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of anyparticular manner of allocating communication bandwidth through a commoncommunication interface.

The exemplary method 400 may, at steps 410 and 420, compriseestablishing a first communication link with a first radio module (orfirst radio) through a common communication interface and communicatinginformation with the first radio module over such communication link.Steps 410 and 420 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with steps 310 and 320 of the exemplary method 300illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed previously. Steps 410 and 420 may,for example, comprise utilizing common I/F bandwidth allocated at step408 for communication with the first radio module.

The exemplary method 400 may, at steps 430 and 440, compriseestablishing a second communication link with a second radio module (orsecond radio) through the common communication interface andcommunicating information with the second radio module over suchcommunication link. Steps 430 and 440 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with steps 330 and 340 of theexemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed previously.Steps 430 and 440 may, for example, comprise utilizing common I/Fbandwidth allocated at step 408 for communication with the second radiomodule.

As illustrated by the parallel paths in the flow diagram for theexemplary method 400, communication with the first radio module and thesecond radio module may occur concurrently. Such concurrentcommunication may, for example, correspond to true simultaneouscommunication (e.g., utilizing parallel channels of the common I/F, forexample, respective spread spectrum codes or respective frequencies).Alternatively for example, such concurrency may, for example, correspondto pseudo simultaneity (e.g., utilizing time division multiplexing). Thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby the existence or absence of concurrent communication with the firstradio module and the second radio module or by any particular type ofconcurrent communication.

The exemplary method 400 was generally presented to provide specificillustrations of various generally broader aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of the exemplarymethod 400.

In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide a multimodecommunication integrated circuit comprising processing circuitry (e.g.,baseband processing circuitry) with a shared radio interface. While theinvention has been described with reference to certain aspects andembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1-32. (canceled)
 33. An interface circuit for use in a multimodecommunication device, the interface circuit comprising: a processor; acommon communication interface; and a plurality of radio communicationinterface modules, where: each of said plurality of radio communicationinterface modules corresponds to a different respective wirelesscommunication technology and is operable to communicate with a differentrespective radio module operable in accordance with the differentrespective wireless communication technology; and each of said pluralityof radio communication interface modules is operable to communicate viasaid common communication interface.
 34. The interface circuit of claim33, comprising a communication manager module operable to managecommunication between said processor and the different respective radiomodules, where said communication manager module is configurable tosupport communication with a plurality of different sets of radios. 35.The interface circuit of claim 34, wherein said communication managermodule is configurable to support communication between the processorand a plurality of different sets of radio modules with only a change insoftware.
 36. The interface circuit of claim 33, wherein said commoncommunication interface comprises only a single shared communicationbus.
 37. The interface circuit of claim 33, wherein said commoncommunication interface comprises an asynchronous communicationinterface.
 38. The interface circuit of claim 33, wherein said commoncommunication interface comprises a synchronous polling-based interface.39. The interface circuit of claim 33, wherein said common communicationinterface comprises a synchronous timeslot-based interface.
 40. Theinterface circuit of claim 33, wherein said processor is operable tocommunicate interference management information to said differentrespective radio modules.
 41. The interface circuit of claim 33, whereinsaid plurality of radio communication interface modules are operable tocommunicate with each other.
 42. The interface circuit of claim 33,wherein said plurality of radio communication interface modules areoperable to communicate interference management information with eachother.
 43. The interface circuit of claim 33, wherein each of saidplurality of radio communication interface modules comprises acommunication interface operable to share the common communicationinterface when each of said plurality of radio communication interfacemodules is active.
 44. The interface circuit of claim 33, wherein saidprocessor is operable to communicate communication information throughthe common communication interface with a plurality of the differentrespective radio modules, where the communication information comprisesinformation to be communicated by the plurality of the differentrespective radio modules concurrently.
 45. The interface circuit ofclaim 33, wherein said processor is operable to allocate communicationbandwidth to the different respective radio modules for concurrentcommunication based, at least in part, on a quality-of-service goal. 46.The interface circuit of claim 33, wherein a first of said plurality ofradio communication interface modules is dedicated to Bluetooth wirelesscommunication technology, and a second of said plurality of radiocommunication interface modules is dedicated to Ultra Wideband (UWB)wireless communication technology.
 47. The interface circuit of claim46, wherein a third of said plurality of radio communication modules isdedicated to WiFi wireless communication technology.
 48. The interfacecircuit of claim 33, wherein each of the plurality of radiocommunication interface modules corresponds to a respective softwaremodule stored in memory.
 49. The interface circuit of claim 33, whereinthe common communication interface is implemented by a processorexecuting software instructions.
 50. An interface circuit for use in amultimode communication device, the interface circuit comprising: aprocessor; a common communication interface; a plurality of radiocommunication interface modules communicatively coupled to saidprocessor via at least said common communication interface, where: eachof said plurality of radio communication interface modules correspondsto a different respective wireless communication technology and isoperable to communicate with a different respective radio moduleoperable in accordance with the different respective wirelesscommunication technology.
 51. The interface circuit of claim 50,comprising a communication manager module operable to managecommunication between said processor and the different respective radiomodules, where said communication manager module is configurable tosupport communication with a plurality of different sets of radiomodules.
 52. The interface circuit of claim 51, wherein saidcommunication manager module is configurable to support communicationwith a plurality of different sets of radio modules with only a changein software.
 53. The interface circuit of claim 50, wherein saidprocessor is operable to communicate interference management informationto said different respective radio communication interface modules. 54.The interface circuit of claim 50, wherein said plurality of radiocommunication interface modules are operable to communicate with eachother.
 55. The interface circuit of claim 50, wherein said plurality ofradio communication interface modules are operable to communicateinterference management information with each other.
 56. The interfacecircuit of claim 50, wherein each of said plurality of radiocommunication interface modules comprises a communication interfaceoperable to share the common communication interface when each of saidplurality of radio communication interface modules is active.
 57. Theinterface circuit of claim 50, wherein said processor is operable tocommunicate communication information through the common communicationinterface with the plurality of radio communication interface modules,where the communication information comprises information to becommunicated by each of the respective radio modules concurrently. 58.The interface circuit of claim 50, wherein said processor is operable toallocate communication bandwidth to the different respective radiomodules for concurrent communication based, at least in part, on aquality-of-service goal.
 59. The interface circuit of claim 50, whereina first of said plurality of radio communication interface modules isdedicated to Bluetooth wireless communication technology, and a secondof said plurality of radio communication interface modules is dedicatedto Ultra Wideband (UWB) wireless communication technology.
 60. Theinterface circuit of claim 59, wherein a third of said plurality ofradio communication modules is dedicated to WiFi wireless communicationtechnology.
 61. The interface circuit of claim 50, wherein each of theplurality of radio communication interface modules corresponds to arespective software module stored in memory.
 62. The interface circuitof claim 50, wherein the common communication interface is implementedby a processor executing software instructions.